First inspection of this small domiciliary care agency rated Good overall and across all five key questions, with relatives praising personalised, reliable and compassionate care. Minor gaps were identified in care plan detail around fire safety and communication needs, both addressed by the registered manager during the inspection.
Concerns (2)
minor
Care planning
: “Regular risk assessments were undertaken... However, these lacked detail regarding fire safety. For example, whether the individual had smoke alarms in the property.”
minorCare planning: “Whilst staff understood people's communication needs, care plans lacked detail on individual's communication. For example, whether the person wore glasses or required large print.”
Strengths
· Staff turned up on time and stayed the required length of time
· Strong infection prevention and control practices with consistent PPE use
· Safe recruitment processes including DBS checks
· Staff trained in safeguarding with additional Local Authority safeguarding meetings arranged
· Person-centred caring approach; relatives praised staff going 'the extra mile'
Quality-Statement breakdown (21)
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Using medicines safelyNot rated
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
safe: Learning lessons when things go wrongGood
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawGood
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceGood
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietGood
effective: Staff working with other agencies / supporting people to access healthcareGood
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidance (MCA)Good
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityGood
caring: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careGood
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceGood
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure people have choice and control and to meet their needs and preferencesGood
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
responsive: End of life care and supportNot rated
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringGood
well-led: Duty of candour; managers and staff understanding quality, risks and regulatory requirementsGood
well-led: Continuous learning and improving care; working in partnership with othersGood